It’s hard to believe there are only 2 weeks remaining here in Cape Town! I’m glad to say Jordan & Julianna arrived safely, and were able to enjoy some classic South African experiences. The weather here has been sunny & warm, in the high 80s - if I had to guess. Our pool has been well taken advantage of, as well as trips to nearby beaches. Camps Bay was the most recent beach visited - gorgeous scenery but ice cold water. I find it amazing how locals will urge you to buy anything & everything they are selling, and will go to great lengths to find a customer. While sitting on the beach, there had to be several vendors walking by each minute, offering cold drinks, sunglasses, or even - miniature chess tables! Even while waiting on the minibus, vendors poked their heads inside the door, offering last-minute sales of toothpicks, or whatever they could gather to sell. Cape Town never ceases to amaze me. Green Point and Green Square Market are two common festivities downtown, where locals sell anything from beaded items and painted bowls to tee-shirts and animal skins. Bartering is the key to the game. I have learned to stand my ground and not be fooled when vendors tell you they will give you “a special deal.” It seems everyone is getting special deals.
A group of us climbed Table Mountain! After 2+ hours of hiking and reaching the point where the trees cleared out, we thought we were near to the top. To our surprise, we soon reached a sign informing us that we had 3 hours left of hiking until we reached the cable cars, for the descent down! The view was nothing short of breathtaking, however. We started from Kirstenbosch Gardens, and hiked all the way to the top of Table Mountain, overlooking the entire city of Cape Town. It definitely had us checking our pulses as we felt our cardiovascular system go into overdrive! It gives a whole new perspective when looking back at that mountain across from 10 Loch Road. I can now appreciate its immensity!
This past week was also Thanksgiving in Cape Town! Despite the chicken instead of turkey, we managed to create a delicious Thanksgiving feast - consisting of mashed potatoes, butternut squash, homemade stuffing, peas, corn, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, stuffed mushrooms, and fluffy rolls. We went all out, and even had a full course of dessert - including peanut butter chocolate balls and apple pie. It was the first Thanksgiving eating outside, alongside a swimming pool, in sundresses and sunscreen. After Skype-ing family back home, I realized we had better enjoy the warm weather here in South Africa while it lasts!
Friday Jordan & I visited the V & A Waterfront - a more Americanized shopping spot, but it overlooks the harbor with incoming ships, so it’s a must to see if in the area. There were a couple groups of street performers, playing drums, marimba, and other rhythmic instruments. For dinner I had oxtail and Jordan had a braai meat kabob - both delicious dishes. The calamari here is also spectacular - so we had that as a starter. We couldn’t help but stop in the nearby mall afterwards and pick up some souvenirs for friends back home. Cape Town always seems so festive and alive - truly a remarkable place to spend 3 1/2 months!
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